Utilizing the iOptron AZ Mount Pro for Solar Astronomy

[PwrHsePro]

Hi all!

My primary use for the subject mount that I have just purchased is Solar Outreach. I have not had the opportunity to try it yet, but how do I do the initial set up and auto align during the day? After it does its thing, it is supposed to slew to a bright object for centering. During the day, the only thing would be the sun, but I believe that I read that the Sun is not an option for centering.

Thank you,
Clear Skies,
and Let the Sun Shine In!
Jeff

[JayTee]

Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the forum. I'm sure someone will come along shortly who can answer your question. Good luck.

[Gordon]

Hi Jeff! Welcome to TSS.

I don’t have experience with that mount, but I did have Meade ETX which was alt/az.
I assume you have solar telescope or the appropriate solar filter. You should be able to just select an object that is currently above the horizon and let it slew to the general area, then accept it. Then slew to the sun and using the buttons on the controller to center it. That should be good enough to track for a while.

[smp]

Hi Jeff,

Welcome here to the Forum! I see that Gordon has already given you great advice.

I used to have an iOptron AzMount Pro, and I used it for Solar Astronomy.

Assuming that you have either a Solar scope, or a telescope with Solar filter attached, simply go through the normal initialization for the AzMount Pro. When it points to the bright object for centering, just accept it however many times you need to without doing any adjustment. When the initialization finishes, select you first object to view - The Sun should be available to choose. Depending on how close you are, it will probably take a bit of fiddling to get on the Sun, as with any scope & mount combination. Once you are on the Sun, then you can select the "Sync on Object" command, and you should be good to go.

If you have more questions, I'll answer as best as I can.

Good luck!

smp

[PwrHsePro]

Hi Jeff,

Welcome here to the Forum! I see that Gordon has already given you great advice.

I used to have an iOptron AzMount Pro, and I used it for Solar Astronomy.

Assuming that you have either a Solar scope, or a telescope with Solar filter attached, simply go through the normal initialization for the AzMount Pro. When it points to the bright object for centering, just accept it however many times you need to without doing any adjustment. When the initialization finishes, select you first object to view - The Sun should be available to choose. Depending on how close you are, it will probably take a bit of fiddling to get on the Sun, as with any scope & mount combination. Once you are on the Sun, then you can select the "Sync on Object" command, and you should be good to go.

If you have more questions, I'll answer as best as I can.

Good luck!

smp

Yes, thank you both...

Sounds good! This little mount sure will be much easier for outreach than my 10 Micron!

[Gordon]

Be sure to tell us how your outreach goes!